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By making lifestyle and activity changes, you can take an active
role in treating your heart failure and helping improve your health.
Now that I feel better, when can I return to my regular activities?
You
can resume your regular activities as soon as you feel better, but follow your
doctor's activity guidelines. Increase your activities slowly and always
listen to your body so you know when it's time to take a rest break.
When can I return to work?
If
you have been in the hospital for your heart failure, your doctor will tell you
how soon you can return to work after you go home. Your return to work
will be based on your overall health, symptoms, and your rate of recovery.
You should try to work as long as you are able. If you
have a job that requires a lot of physical work, you may need to change some of
your job-related activities. This may involve job re-training or taking
disability.
Talk to your doctor about the type of job you have. Your
doctor can help you decide if your job will affect your heart condition and if
you need to make changes.
Plan periods of rest
Be
sure to get plenty of rest. You may need to plan at least one rest period
every day. When you rest, keep your feet up to keep the swelling
down. Avoid working long days. Rest between recreation and leisure
activities.
Conserve your energy
Using
less energy with daily tasks can help you have more energy to do more activities
during the day. You may need to cut down on some of your activities or use
energy-saving devices or techniques. If daily self-care or home care
activities are too tiring, discuss this with your doctor.
Here are some energy-conserving tips:
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Simplify your tasks and set realistic goals. Don't
think you have to do things the same way you've always done them.
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Plan your activities (chores, exercise, and recreation) ahead
of time. Do not schedule too many things to do in one day. Do
the things that take more energy when you are feeling your best.
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If needed, rest before and after activities.
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If you become tired during an activity, stop and rest. You may need to finish it on another day or when you feel less tired.
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Do not plan activities right after a meal.
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Get a good night's sleep. Be careful not to nap too
much during the day or you might not be able to sleep at night.
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Ask for help. Divide the tasks among family and
friends.
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If needed, use devices and tools that assist you, such as a
walker, shower chair, hand-held shower head, bedside commode, or
long-handled tools for dressing (such as a dressing stick, shoe horn, or sock donner).
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Wear clothes that have zippers and buttons in the front so
you don't have to reach behind you.
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Do all of your grooming (shaving, drying your hair, etc)
while sitting.
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If your doctor says it's okay, you may climb steps. You
may need to rest part of the way if you become tired. Try to arrange
your activities so you do not have to climb up and down stairs many times
during the day.
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Avoid extreme physical activity. Do not push, pull, or
lift heavy objects (more than 10 pounds) that require you to strain.
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For more energy-saving tips, tell your doctor you would like
to speak to an occupational therapist or cardiac rehabilitation specialist.
Take care of your emotional health
Your diagnosis of heart failure, your symptoms, and your concern for
the future may cause you and your loved ones to feel depressed or worried. Your concerns are normal. As you begin taking charge of your health and
making positive changes, you may find these feelings start to fade. However, if negative feelings continue to interfere with your ability to enjoy
life, talk to your doctor. Counseling might help you feel better.
Tips to help you deal with emotional blues:
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Get dressed every day.
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Get out and walk every day.
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Keep up with activities or hobbies you enjoy.
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Share your feelings with your spouse, a friend, or clergy.
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Get a good night's sleep.
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Follow your treatment plan.
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Set and follow a realistic daily schedule.
Foster a caring, sexual relationship with your partner
Heart
failure can affect all aspects of your life, including having the energy, desire,
or ability to participate in sexual intercourse. Keep in mind that a sexual
relationship has both physical and emotional aspects:
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Talk openly with your partner.
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Find different ways to show affection.
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Have sex when you are rested and physically comfortable.
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Have realistic performance expectations. You may need
to modify your sexual practices to decrease the energy required.
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Be caring, loving, and honest with each other.
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Your medications may affect arousal and sexual
performance. Talk to your health care provider about your concerns.
The amount of energy it requires to perform intercourse with
your partner is similar to climbing about one or two flights of stairs or
walking about one half mile at a brisk pace. If you cannot perform these
activities without becoming tired or short of breath, talk to your doctor before
participating in sexual activity.
How soon can I take a vacation?
You
may travel as soon as you are feeling better, but always let your health care
provider know when you plan to go and provide a phone number where you can
be reached.
By following these traveling tips, your vacation should be worry-free:
1. Always take all of your medications with you and make
sure you have enough medications to last throughout your trip.
2. If you are traveling by plane, carry your medications with you. Never check them with your luggage. You may need a letter from your health
care provider that verifies all of your medications, especially if you are
traveling internationally. Pack this letter with your medications.
3. Always wear your Emergency Medical Identification.
4. Make sure you have your doctor's phone number.
5. Be careful to avoid infection when traveling. In areas where the
water might be unsafe, drink bottled water or other beverages (order beverages
without ice). Swim only in chlorinated pools.
6. Select foods with care to avoid illness.
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